Nathalia Gadelha Filgueiras, a 20-year-old, has been identified by her family as the copilot of the Learjet 60 that tragically crashed on November 1 in Palm Beach, Florida, resulting in the deaths of all nine occupants. Remarkably, she earned her private pilot's license at the age of 17, while still attending high school, even before acquiring a driver's license.
Her mother, Camila, and stepfather, Thiago Corteleti, confirmed her identity and that she was on board as the copilot in an interview with the New York Post, released on November 2. This identification came from her relatives, not from an official victim list released by the investigating authorities.
Aviation Dreams: From High School to the Skies
Nathalia's story had previously made local news. On October 24, 2023, CBS12 (WPEC) featured an interview with the West Boca Raton High School student, who, at the time, was 17 and had just received her private pilot's license in September. During the interview, she expressed that she was able to fly despite not having a driver's license. She began her theoretical training in 2020 and had logged 88 flight hours by the time CBS12 aired the report. Her training was financed by the Palm Beach County School District through its Aviation Academy program.
Her passion for aviation started in childhood. Inspired by her father's hobby of flying, Nathalia aspired to become either an airline or private jet pilot, a dream she shared with the local media.
Professional Journey in Aviation
Nathalia's mother shared with the New York Post that her daughter had been working as a commercial pilot for about nine months. Her stepfather estimated she had accumulated approximately 1,300 flight hours. These figures were provided by the family and have not been officially verified by the FAA.
The newspaper also noted that after advancing her aeronautical training, Nathalia worked as a flight instructor before moving on to a pilot position. The private license she obtained at 17 marked the beginning of her journey, not the qualification that alone would allow her to serve as a Learjet copilot professionally.
The Tragic Learjet 60 Crash in Florida
The aircraft had taken off from Austin, Texas, en route to North Eleuthera in the Bahamas when it crashed into a residential area in Palm Beach County. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed it was a Learjet 60.
In the crew’s final communications with air traffic controllers, they reported ice, turbulence, and a rapid loss of altitude. These recordings alone cannot determine the cause of the crash or definitively identify who was speaking on the radio.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation with FAA support. The official cause of the accident remains undetermined.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Learjet 60 Crash
What led to the crash of the Learjet 60?
The exact cause of the Learjet 60 crash has not been officially determined. Reports from the crew mentioned ice, turbulence, and a rapid descent, but these factors alone have not been confirmed as the cause.
How many people were on board the Learjet 60?
There were nine occupants on board the Learjet 60 at the time of the crash, all of whom tragically lost their lives.
Who is investigating the Learjet 60 crash?
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation into the crash, with assistance from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).